01
auflegen
to hang up
To end a phone call by placing the receiver back on the cradle or pressing the corresponding button.
example
Er wurde wütend und hat einfach aufgelegt.
He got angry and simply hung up.
auflegen
to hang up / put on / launch
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Auflegen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der DJ legt gleich seine besten Platten auf.
The DJ is about to put on his best records.
Distinguishing meanings
The meaning of 'auflegen' depends strongly on the object. The context makes clear whether you are ending a phone call, working as a DJ, launching a program, or putting something onto a surface.
EXAMPLE
Er legte wütend auf.
He hung up angrily.
Use without an object
In the meaning 'ein Telefongespräch beenden' (to end a phone call), 'auflegen' is often used without an object when it is clear from context that it is about a phone call.
EXAMPLE
Sprich lauter, leg noch nicht auf!
Speak louder, don't hang up yet!
Colloquial use
When someone 'auflegt' (DJs), in the context of parties or clubs, it means that this person is playing music as a DJ. This meaning is rather colloquial.
EXAMPLE
Am Freitag legt eine bekannte DJane aus Berlin auf.
On Friday, a well-known female DJ from Berlin is DJing.
Abstract use
In a more formal, often economic or political context, 'auflegen' means to initiate something. Typical objects are 'ein Programm' (a program), 'einen Fonds' (a fund), or 'eine Anleihe' (a bond).
EXAMPLE
Die Bank hat einen neuen Fonds für nachhaltige Investitionen aufgelegt.
The bank has launched a new fund for sustainable investments.
Use for cosmetics
In connection with cosmetics, 'auflegen' means the same as 'auftragen' (to apply). It is often used for powder, blush, or lipstick.
EXAMPLE
Sie legte vor dem Spiegel noch schnell etwas Puder auf.
She quickly applied a little powder in front of the mirror.
Compare with
auflegen vs spielen
to play
'spielen' and 'auflegen' can both have to do with music. 'spielen' is used when someone plays an instrument or makes music in general. 'auflegen' is especially used for DJs: they choose music and play it at a party, in a club, or on the radio. A guitarist 'spielt Gitarre' (plays guitar), but a DJ 'legt Musik auf' (DJs / plays music as a DJ). So 'auflegen' is more specific when it comes to DJ music.
auflegen
Am Samstag legt eine DJane im Jugendzentrum auf.
On Saturday, a female DJ is DJing at the youth center.
spielen
Mehmet spielt seit zwei Jahren Klavier.
Mehmet has been playing piano for two years.
In real life
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